Kenya will host the 8th AAAE Conference in Nairobi from 22–25 September 2026, focusing on smart agriculture, digital innovation, and climate-smart farming in Africa.
Kenya is set to host the 8th African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE) Conference from 22–25 September 2026 in Nairobi, marking a major milestone for agricultural development on the continent. Themed “Smart Agriculture: Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Trade for a Climate‑Challenged Africa,” the conference will bring together policymakers, researchers, agribusiness leaders, and innovators to explore how technology and data-driven solutions can transform African farming systems.
With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, the need for smart agriculture has never been more urgent. Delegates will discuss digital agriculture tools such as IoT sensors, satellite monitoring, and artificial intelligence, alongside climate-smart farming techniques and innovative financing models that can boost productivity, improve market access, and strengthen smallholder farmers against climate shocks.
The conference will take place at the Mövenpick Nairobi Hotel, featuring panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Sessions will cover key themes, including trade, value chains, policy frameworks, agricultural finance, and youth and gender inclusion in agri-food systems. Beyond idea-sharing, the AAAE conference is a platform for translating research into practical solutions that can increase yields, reduce costs, and build resilience across African agriculture.
Scholars and practitioners are encouraged to submit research papers, with selected work considered for publication in the African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics (AfJARE) (AfJARE). This ensures that cutting-edge research reaches policymakers and industry leaders, strengthening evidence-based decision-making in agriculture.
Farmers, agribusinesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the AAAE official platforms (AAAE Events) for updates on registration, paper submission, and detailed session agendas. This is a prime opportunity to engage with experts driving the next wave of innovation in African agriculture.